Non-League: U’s to kick off Didcot’s centenary celebrations

Didcot Town will welcome neighbours Oxford United to the Loop Meadow Stadium on July 21 in the opening game of their pre-season campaign.

Oxford manager Jim Smith is expecting to field a strong side consisting mainly of first-team players to kick-off the Railwaymen’s centenary celebrations in some style.

United are tipped for automatic promotion back to the Football League this coming season after last season’s heartbreaking play-off semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to Exeter City in their debut non-league season.

Premiership Reading visit Loop Meadow on July 23, while former striker Stuart Beavon’s Weymouth visit on July 31.

Bracknell Town have added former Hitchin Town No. 1 Michael Parkin to their already burgeoning squad.

Rookie boss Jon Underwood signed the keeper, who was first choice until an ankle injury put paid to his season, on the recommendation of ex-player and captain Stuart Hammonds.

The Robins, who kick off their pre-season campaign at Badshot Lea on July 17, have also appointed Fulham Youth Academy coach Geoff Warne as goalkeeping coach.

Thatcham have been forced to alter their pre-season plans following the demise of Enfield, and will now travel to Southern League Premier side Rugby Town on August 11.

The Waterside Park club has been rocked by the news that Jamie Green has decided to quit the club and drop a level to join Wessex League Division 1 side Tadley Calleva, with speculation suggesting his brother Marc may join him.

There was good news, though, for manager Jon Goddard as keeper Paul Strudley signed for the forthcoming season, while Goddard is also expected to make additions to his squad but is unwilling to name name’s at present.

Southern League Division 1 South & West new boys Slough Town have moved to Beaconsfield SYCOB’s Holloways Park.

The Rebels failed to negotiate a reduced rate at Windsor’s Stag Meadow after ground-sharing there for four years.

The cash-strapped club, who had voiced concerns over the playing surface, were forced into the move following relegation from the Premier Division.

Hellenic League Division 1 East side Henley Town have turned to the internet in desperation to appoint a new boss before the start of the season after issuing an online appeal.

Director of Football Andy Bryan thought he had his man several weeks ago, only to be hit by a dramatic u-turn the very next day.

Anyone interested in applying for the position should in the first instance contact Andy Bryan on 0118-9723962 or 07730-924100.